Aims and Objectives

The Mauritius Archives as an institution was created in 1815. The main objective behind its establishment was to assemble and preserve the records generated by the government administrative machinery and other para-statal agencies of the country; with the aim at making these "archives" take the form of a giant mirror, in which pictures of our past could be readily made available for administrative and legal purposes; and to allow all Mauritians to have access to these pictures for their use, well-being and enjoyment. Over the years; the objectives and aims have changed, to meet new challenges, like the pressing present needs of many users, students, economists, social and cultural scientists, scholars, genealogists, historians, etc. But these challenges are still concerned with appraising, identifying, organising, intellectually controlling and making available an intelligent documentary cross-section of the past for future generations. This is the mission of the Mauritius Archives.

About the Department

The mission of the Mauritius Archives is to identify, appraise, organise, control intellectually and make available an intelligent documentary cross-section of all the records generated by the Government and para-statal agencies' administrative machinery, for use by future generations.

Key Persons of the Department

Acting Director
Mr. Gheeandut SUNEECHUR

Acting Deputy Director
Mr. Pierre Roland CHUNG SAM WAN

SERVICES OFFERED BY ARCHIVES DEPARTMENT

University Students
Communication of public records and inventories for research purposes;
Consultation free of charge of archive records in cases of long-term searches;
Advice and guidance for research work;
Supply of authentical or ordinary copies of manuscripts records for legal or study purposes respectively;
Arousing interest in archives and local history by means of organised visits, exhibitions and publications;
Searches by Archives staff for people abroad against payment of prescribed fees.

Oldest existing Document

As a general rule, the oldest documents date as from 1722. However some Maps and lithographs date as far back as the 16th century.

Old documents belonging to the public

According to Archives legislation presently in force ancient manuscripts owned by the public can be purchased subject to funds allocated in the Budget. Besides, private papers can be deposited for custody in the Archives Department.